Honestly I cannot say enough good things about Fonseca Martial Arts. I enrolled my son for lessons…read moreabout a year ago when he was 6 years old. The transformation I have seen in him through his development in karate is nothing short of incredible. He's moved quickly through the program and has now moved into the intermediate level class. All of the instructors are phenomenal with the kids. The classes remain fun and age appropriate while still maintaining the discipline and respect that are the hallmarks of karate. My son participated in his very first "Dojo Duel" last spring and loved it. Dojo Duels are a fun introduction to competitive karate, allowing students to learn about competition in a very fun way. All the participants are recognized and receive medals, but they still recognize the top competitors in every age group as well. You can really go as far as you want with Fonseca. If you want to learn & compete at an international/Olympic level you can, as many Fonseca students compete on the world stage. John Fonseca himself is a legend in the sport and you will find him working in all the dojo locations and providing the students with his expertise. We love Sensei Dave at the Wilmette Dojo, he clearly cares about his students and really invests his time in their development. My son often arrives early or stays after class (by choice) because he is so eager to learn from him. He also has taken private lessons (again by his own request) so he can perform at his best in competition. He will be participating in another Dojo Duel this fall and then his first major competition, the Fonseca Cup. This place is the real deal, you will not regret sending your child.

We had been told for years to try Karate. Unfortunately, we listened to those who had not tried…read morebefore, thinking that it would bring out aggressive tendencies in our kids and that they'd be practicing in each other all the time. We wish we had not listened to these people. Fonseca has been such a wonderful oasis for my kids. Let's begin with the heart and soul of the program: the amazing Sensei's. These men and women are such wonderful role models. They are always supportive, energized, and keep the class moving. They focus on the importance of character foremost rather than the outcome. My kids happily go at least 2 times a week - which is a miracle in itself. They are in a class where there is a wide range of ages and skill levels but no one ever feel intimidated or embarrassed. They get a very intense workout, while having fun, making new friends, gaining coordination and confidence. If you've ever thought of having your kiddos try Karate, don't wait! Sign them up. You will not regret it.

If you're not sure what to do for summer camp this year, I highly recommend Connelly's Academy Tae…read moreKwon Do Day Camp in Evanston. It's available for first graders on up. If you're looking for a NON CONTACT martial art experience where they focus on mutual support & respect, development of skills and personal growth, this camp is a winning option. Benefits to students include improvements in fitness, self-confidence, character and leadership. They teach perseverance, integrity, courtesy, and emphasize developing an indomitable spirit, as well as compassion and self control. It's a positive, inclusive, non-competitive environment where kids get to be both physically active, as well as having some calm activities (music, learning some history, yoga, etc.). I cannot say enough positive things about the experience my family has had with Connelly's Academy. Camp runs June 8 through Aug 7, and the nice thing is that you can register in one week blocks, so if you want to sign up for a week here and a week there due to travel or other commitments, it's more flexible than many other camps. Here's the link: https://www.connellysacademy.com/summer-camp/

My kids and I have been going to Connelly Academy for over 10 years for the classes. And kids had…read morebeen going to their Summer Camp every summer as well. I can't say enough about the staff, and Grandmaster Connelly is absolutely amazing. He has such amazing way with hyperactive kids, he had been called 'the kid whisperer'. I like adult classes too, they are designed for all levels of fitness, and you are never too old to join!

This place is great! If you want your child to feel welcomed and also grow in character and…read moreconfidence. It's a family run business, and filled with heart. I truly enjoyed seeing my son run with excitement to class and see Master Shim greeting him with a big smile at the entry. Every class is different and the kids learn a lot and get their energy out. Master Psi typically teaches and has a great way of leading class, creating a positive and encouraging environment for all the kids of different age groups. Master Psi is impressive, and instills respect, integrity, and discipline. He is kind, patient, and truly great with kids and can run an entire class effectively bu himself. As I would observe him in practice, many parents would do the same and speak so highly of him, and also mention the positive influence this place has had on their kids - many growing in confidence and discipline. Truly a great place. My son was 5 when he started, the youngest of the bunch, and did 3 months of classes. We moved this summer, and he still misses the class and all his friends there! Truly a great program for all age groups. Thank you again Master Shim and Master Psi for your dedication, patience, and kindness.

If you want to join this Martial Arts class, you will notice Master Shim will force you to pay for…read moreatleast 3 months. There is no monthly option. Actually he will convince you to pay for a year. And there is a SOLID reason behind it! UNLESS you have a super athletic body and have been doing gymnastics for years, YOU WILL INCUR AN INJURY IN THIS CLASS!! And then Master Shim WILL NOT REFUND YOUR MONEY but will try to CONVINCE you to continue the class even after incurring an injury. I incurred a leg injury while doing this class since there is no prep. training and you will be thrown into class which can be mild or severe depending on the "mood" of the trainer, who is the son of Master Shim. My knee injury was so severe in Shim's class, I had to be treated by Bone & Knee institute and furthermore had to consult with a medical doctor who put me into a rehab and strictly prohibited me to continue Shim's training. I was affected for a whole month with my work and travel plans adversely affected. So I approached Master Shim with a doctor note and showed my injury and asked politely for a partial refund, ONLY for unused time since he received 3months advance ( remember Master Shim always charges you for 3 months and even try to convince you for 1 yr advance payment). First he gave me a lot of BS, saying that I should be a "man" and continue this class even I was in Rehab for a month. I left that day but approached him a few days later and told him that I will never be able to continue this class, so please refund my unused time only (which was 2/3rd). Master Shim told me to come after a month since he was "tight" on money to provide me any refund. So I waited one month and went back to him again. Master Shim started to act upset with me and said that he talked to his son, who is the actual owner of this Martial Arts operation (Which is a lie, Master Shim is the real owner), and that his son has advised Master Shim to only refund me $100 (instead of $350). I was quite shocked but knowing that something is better than nothing at that point, asked him to refund only $100. He again asked me to come back again (4th time) and made an appointment with me at 5pm the next day. When I went at 5pm the next day, he was nowhere to be found. I left disappointed but came back around 6:30pm (5th time) and he was still nowhere to be found. I asked his son where he was, and Master Shim was apparently hiding in the backroom instead of in his front office, as he always is. By this time I was convinced that Master Shim is a CROOK. But I waited patiently outside his office as he said he will write me a check. After a couple of minutes, he brought out an empty checkbook showing me he ran out of checks and that I should come again tomorrow. I have had enough with this sleazeball named Master SHIM by this time. I simply told him firmly that I will contact an attorney and take him to court for running an operation which causes injuries to people. I also informed him that I will contact Attorney General's office and Better Business Bureau about his dishonest business practices. But that time his son came outside and was witnessing the conversation who inculcated some sense to his dad to just refund the money instead of jerking a customer around. Master Shim still refused to provide a refund, which he had promised!! At that point his son pulled out his cell phone and offered me a refund of only $100, when they actually owed me around $350. The moral of the story here is that Master Shim runs a business which is causing major injuries to people and there is a reason why they ask for 3 months or years worth of advance upfront. Unless you are an athlete or a gymnastics person or know Martial arts already, you WILL INCUR AN INJURY HERE. And guess What? You will receive a goodbye from this operation if you ask for any refund. Actually they will encourage to bring your injured self back again, and continue to get injured because there is no money back. JOIN THIS SHIM'S TRAINING AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Our daughter has been attending classes at KH Kim Taekwondo, and it's been a wonderful experience…read more The instructors do a great job balancing discipline with encouragement, helping kids build confidence, focus, and respect, not just martial arts skills. Classes are well-structured, engaging, and genuinely fun for kids. You can tell the instructors care about the students and create a supportive, positive environment. If you're looking for a martial arts program in the Northbrook area that focuses on both skills and character development, this is a great choice. Highly recommend.

We've had a great experience at KH Kim Taekwondo Northbrook. The instructors are wonderful with…read moreyoung kids -- patient, positive, and great at balancing structure with fun. We've seen such a boost in our 4-year-old's confidence and focus, and she truly enjoys going. The staff is friendly, the environment is welcoming, and the program is very well run. Highly recommend for families.

Sensei Veronica operates a fantastic dojo. Classes are safe,…read morechallenging and traditional. While every class is different, safety, correct form and proper body mechanics are key. Each sensei has earned their belt through years of training, dedication and sweat. I've been studying for 10 yrs. and have never been disappointed in the senseis or in their teaching methods. I love trying new karate dojos, but Midwest Shotokan is where I hang my gi.

Midwest Shotokan has helped our child be more confident socially and more disciplined physically…read more We recommend this dojo to any age. Senesi Veronica and her staff are great!

I love to train here and I would definitely recommend going here if you are in the area and want to…read morelearn martial arts. Professor Catherine and Professor Nick are very nice people and I hope to keep training here!

Pure BJJ has a cool vibe. I visited from out of town for a week and had the pleasure of training in…read morethe gi classes. The instructors, Catherine and Nick, are very welcoming and attentive to their students. They give verbal during the rolls. I found all their students - white, blue, and purple - to be intelligent and courteous partners. On the nights I was there, it was 15% instruction, 40% drilling, and 45% open rolling. I thought that was a great distribution. The school is home to both hobbyists and competitors. I also greatly admired that there were almost equal numbers of women and girls in the class compared to the men. It seems to be an environment in which women can flourish. Lastly, I was impressed with the willingness of the instructors to teach leg locks to their white belts with proper instruction and safety. I look forward to returning to Pure BJJ in the future.

I've been a regular member here for 13 years. The training you get here is top notch as we learn…read morefrom people who have been doing Aikido for 20, 30, 40 years! Not only is will you learn self-defense, but you'll be part of a community. Practice is challenging as it can take a while to figure out how to move in a way that is safe for both you and your training partner. What you learn here is also applicable to the world of daily life in things such as how you approach work and your relationship with others. There are many classes you can go to, 2 or 3 a day. Rank tests are every 4 months and we celebrate with beer and pizza after. There are three seminars during the year, taught by highly regarded instructors, coming as far as Japan. It's a great place to train and you will make good friends here as well!

A wonderful space to practice with thoughtful instruction and a dedicated, supportive community.read more

What a great find! I started taking classes, at the age 44, with my son, age 5. The instructions…read morehave been awesome and it is great fun to exercise and grow in defence knowledge and discipline with my son. They offered us two free classes to try it out and see if my son like it before signing up. The Summer special prices are not to be beat anywhere, Come check it out! You're never too old to start!

First off, I've been training in different martial arts (TKD, Hapkido, Eskrima, and Brazilian Jiu…read moreJitsu) off and on for over 25 years. What brought me to this school was my 9-year old daughter. I wanted to find a good traditional martial arts school, where she would actually learn proper strikes, kicks and technique. My daughter never had interest in learning any martial arts and the only reason I was able to get her to try a class was because she had a friend that trained there. We met with the head instructor Dave, who gave us a run down and brief history of the school, which has its roots from Zange's Martial Arts, a school that has taught people in Chicago martial arts for over 35 years. While we were talking, I noticed several kids in the class warming up; all were focused whether they were practicing kicks, a form with their Kali sticks, or just stretching. We tried the class and my daughter loved it. I decided to take up martial arts again at 45 years old and signed up as well. My 12 year old son heard that his sister really enjoyed the class and he signed up as well so we now train as a family, which is something that Kickin' Around really encourages. Dave has students set their sights on receiving their black belt but tells you up front that it takes time and a lot of work to achieve that goal. Students here earn every belt that they test for and there's no rush or pressure to take a promotion test, which from my experience with different martial arts schools is an indicator of a good one. Solid martial arts instruction in Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do and Kali(Filipino Martial Arts) at very affordable prices.